Company Overview - Gray Media, Inc. is a multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the United States [5] - The company serves 113 television markets, reaching approximately 37 percent of US television households, with 78 markets having the top-rated television station [5] - Gray Media also owns Gray Digital Media, which provides digital marketing strategies and services, and has additional media properties including video production companies and studio facilities [5] Leadership Appointment - Shalayna Valencia has been appointed as the General Manager and Director of Sales for KOSA, the CBS affiliate in Odessa, Texas [1] - She is recognized for her creativity, strategic thinking, and commitment to team development, with a career that includes roles such as Market President at Townsquare Media and Digital Sales Director at Hearst [3][4] - With over two decades of experience, Shalayna has a proven track record in driving growth and leading high-performing teams [4]

Group 1 - Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN) reports a substantial headcount increase and significant investments in new TV stations [1] - The company is expected to benefit from a potential decrease in taxes [1] - The analysis focuses on cash flow statements and unlevered free cash flow figures, with an emphasis on historical financial performance [1] Group 2 - The article discusses the importance of financial models that include various financial figures such as cost of capital, cost of debt, WACC, share count, and net debt [1] - The analysis typically does not cover growth stocks, focusing instead on companies with a long history of financial reporting [1] - Trading multiples studied include EV/FCF, net income, and EV/EBITDA [1]

Core Points - Gray Media has extended its broadcast partnership with the New Orleans Saints for five years, lasting until the end of the 2029 NFL season [1][2] - The partnership aims to enhance community sports coverage and provide fans with exclusive access to Saints programming [2][4] Company Overview - Gray Media, Inc. is the largest owner of local television stations in the U.S., reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households [10] - The company operates in 113 television markets and includes a significant portfolio of digital assets and production companies [10] Broadcast Details - The 2025 Saints preseason games will be aired on Gray's 15-station Saints Pre-Season Network, including WVUE Fox 8 [3][6] - The preseason schedule includes games against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Denver Broncos [6] Programming Initiatives - Gray Media and WVUE will co-produce new exclusive Saints-related programming for the Gulf Coast Sports and Entertainment Network (GCSEN) [5][8] - An exclusive NFL Films documentary titled "Waiting on Moore" will premiere on GCSEN, focusing on the Saints and new Head Coach Kellen Moore [8] Additional Programming - WVUE will produce five weekly Saints-related programs to air on Fox 8 and/or GCSEN [7][11] - The programming includes live shows such as the Daily Training Camp Show, Extended Pre-Game Show, and various podcasts [11]

ATLANTA, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 15, 2025, Gray Media’s local television station WANF will end its 31-year affiliation with the CBS Network to begin a new chapter as an independent television station. Going forward, WANF will leverage its successful local news operation, complete control of its daily program schedule, and the resources of the locally based Gray Media to better serve the local community with on-air and online content throughout the day that is more responsive to the growi ...

Group 1 - CBS, a subsidiary of Paramount Global, and Gray Media have renewed 52 of Gray's existing 53 CBS network affiliations, ensuring continued local availability on Paramount+ and across traditional and virtual MVPD platforms [1] - Effective August 16, 2025, Gray's Atlanta station WANF will cease its CBS affiliation and operate as an independent television station focused on the Atlanta market [1] Group 2 - Gray Media is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations in the U.S., serving 113 television markets and reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households [4] - Gray's portfolio includes 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first or second highest-rated television station in 2024 [4] - Paramount Global is a leading media and entertainment company with a diverse portfolio that includes CBS, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, and streaming services like Paramount+ and Pluto TV [5][6]

Core Points - Gray Media received a total of 81 regional Edward R. Murrow awards for excellence in journalism, awarded to 38 of its local stations, with WMTV in Madison, Wisconsin receiving 9 awards and WVUE in New Orleans, Louisiana receiving 8 awards [1][2] - The Edward R. Murrow Awards have been recognizing outstanding broadcast and digital journalism since 1971, with Gray's regional winners advancing to the national competition, with results to be announced in August [2] Company Overview - Gray Media, Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the U.S., serving 113 television markets that reach approximately 37% of U.S. television households [3] - The company operates 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first and/or second highest-rated television station during 2024, along with the largest Telemundo Affiliate group comprising 44 markets [3] Awards Breakdown - Four awards for Overall Excellence were given to KTUU in Anchorage, Alaska; WVLT in Knoxville, Tennessee; WPTA in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and WMTV in Madison [4] - Nine awards for News Series were awarded to Hawaii News Now in Honolulu, WMTV in Madison, and several other stations [4] - Seven awards for Best Newscast were given to stations including KKTV in Colorado Springs and WMTV in Madison [4] - Six awards each for Investigative Reporting, Excellence in Innovation, Continuing Coverage, Hard News, and News Documentary were distributed among various stations, including multiple awards to WMTV and WVUE [4] - Five awards for Digital and Podcast categories were also awarded to several stations, including WMTV and Hawaii News Now [4]

Company Moves - Gray Media announced the appointment of Shannon Booth as the new General Manager of WOWT (NBC) in Omaha, Nebraska, succeeding Jim McKernan who is retiring after 44 years in broadcasting [1] - Jacque Harms will take over Shannon's previous role as General Manager of KOLN (CBS) and KSNB (NBC) in Lincoln, Nebraska, as well as KNOP (NBC) and KNPL (CBS) in North Platte, Nebraska [1] Leadership Background - Shannon Booth has over eight years of experience overseeing market-leading television, digital, and streaming products in various Nebraska communities and has held multiple management positions at KCRG in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 18 years [3] - Jacque Harms has a media career spanning over 35 years, starting at KNOP in North Platte and previously serving as General Manager of WTOK (ABC) in Meridian, Mississippi, and KKTV (CBS) in Colorado Springs [5][6] Company Overview - Gray Media, Inc. is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets in the U.S., serving 113 television markets and reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households [7] - The company operates 78 markets with the top-rated television station and 99 markets with the first and/or second highest-rated television station during 2024, along with the largest Telemundo Affiliate group [7]

Gray Media (GTN) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term. Over the past month, shares of this broadcast television company have returned +38.1%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +9.1% change. During this period, the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry, which Gray Media falls in, has gained 18.5%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direc ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $782 million, a decrease of 5% from Q1 2024, but 1% above the high end of guidance [8] - Net loss was $9 million in Q1 2025 compared to net income of $88 million in Q1 2024 [10] - Adjusted EBITDA was $160 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of 19% from Q1 2024 [10] - Total operating expenses were 1% below the low end of previously announced guidance [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core advertising revenue for Q1 2025 was down 8% compared to Q1 2024, primarily due to the Super Bowl airing on different channels [18] - Political advertising revenue exceeded expectations, coming in at $13 million against a guidance of $2 million to $4 million [21] - Digital advertising revenue was up double digits, indicating growth in this segment [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Automotive advertising revenue was down in high single digits, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [18] - Categories linked to consumer discretionary spending, such as restaurants and department stores, were soft, while essential categories like education and financial services performed better [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing leverage and enhancing its balance sheet, with a top capital allocation priority being debt reduction [24] - There is a commitment to enhancing local content offerings and entering new sports rights agreements to increase relevance in local markets [12][13] - The company is exploring opportunities for mergers and acquisitions, particularly in creating new duopolies [30][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for a more favorable regulatory environment that could facilitate strategic transactions [34] - There is cautious optimism regarding the second half of the year, particularly in political advertising, despite overall uncertainty in the advertising market [50] - Management noted that the recent trade deal with the UK could stabilize the advertising market, which has been affected by uncertainties [51] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share [12] - The Assembly Studios project is progressing, with multiple productions currently shooting and plans for future developments [15][69] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the most attractive options for market expansion? - Management is actively pursuing various opportunities and is optimistic about potential regulatory changes that could allow for new duopolies [30][34] Question: How does the new regulatory environment affect affiliate negotiations? - Management is encouraged by the changing tone from regulators regarding local news and broadcasters, which may positively impact negotiations [37][62] Question: Are there any cancellations in advertising? - There are no cancellations, but there is hesitancy in booking ads due to economic uncertainty [48] Question: What is the outlook for political advertising? - Political ad buys are currently strong, with significant orders coming in, indicating a positive trend for the upcoming election cycle [58] Question: What is the status of Assembly Studios? - Assembly Studios is currently around 75% to 80% leased, with ongoing inquiries and productions actively shooting [75][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $782 million, a decrease of 5% from Q1 2024, but 1% above the high end of guidance [6] - Net loss was $9 million in Q1 2025 compared to net income of $88 million in Q1 2024 [7] - Adjusted EBITDA was $160 million in Q1 2025, a decrease of 19% from Q1 2024 [7] - Total operating expenses decreased by 1% compared to the low end of previously announced guidance [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core advertising revenue for Q1 2025 finished down 8% versus Q1 2024, attributed partly to the Super Bowl airing on different channels [15] - Political advertising revenue was significantly higher than expected, reaching $13 million against a guidance of $2 million to $4 million [19] - Digital advertising revenue continued to grow in double digits, indicating a positive trend [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive advertising category saw a decline in high single digits, reflecting ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties [15][17] - Essential categories like education and financial services performed better, while discretionary spending categories like restaurants were soft [17] - Political ad buys are expected to continue growing, with early signs of spending for upcoming elections [20][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing leverage and enhancing its balance sheet, with a top priority on capital allocation [22] - There is a commitment to expanding local content offerings and entering new sports rights agreements [10][11] - The company is exploring opportunities for mergers and acquisitions, particularly in light of a more relaxed regulatory environment [22][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the potential for deregulation to create new opportunities for growth and consolidation [31][41] - There is cautious optimism regarding the advertising market, with expectations for some recovery in key verticals despite ongoing uncertainties [44][47] - The company is committed to maintaining cost discipline and expects to see benefits from cost-saving initiatives throughout 2025 [24][90] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share [10] - The Assembly Studios project is progressing, with several productions currently in operation and plans for future developments [61][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: How creative could the company get if deregulation allows for attractive opportunities? - The company is actively pursuing various options and is optimistic about potential regulatory changes that could facilitate new transactions [31] Question: What impact does the new regulatory environment have on affiliate negotiations? - Management is encouraged by the changing tone from regulators regarding local news and broadcasters, which may positively influence negotiations [34] Question: What is the margin lift from creating new duopolies? - The margin improvement from creating duopolies varies significantly based on market conditions and the specific stations involved [38] Question: Are there actual cancellations in advertising or just hesitancy? - The company is not seeing cancellations but rather hesitancy in ad bookings due to economic uncertainties [43] Question: What is the outlook for political advertising in the upcoming cycles? - Political ad buys are currently strong, with significant orders coming in, indicating a potentially robust political advertising cycle ahead [54] Question: What is the current occupancy rate at Assembly Studios? - The occupancy rate is estimated to be around 75% to 80%, with ongoing inquiries for additional leases [68]